What happens if you eat too many lemons?

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Eating too many lemons may cause worsening heartburn symptoms, allergic reaction or damage to teeth, including erosion of the enamel, explains Drugs.com. Consuming too many lemons can also lead to mouth irritation or canker sores, according to The Nest.

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Eating lemons provides several health benefits, primarily because of the fruit's high vitamin C and potassium content, states Drugs.com. Consuming lemons or lemon juice can reduce the formation of certain types of kidney stones by increasing citrate levels. Individuals should consume 120 milliliters of lemon juice containing 5.9 grams of citric acid to obtain this effect. As of 2015, researchers continue to investigate the specific antioxidant and anticancer effects of lemons.

Lemon juice and lemon oil may also kill microorganisms, according to Drugs.com. Lemon can deactivate the rabies virus, stop the growth of certain kinds of mold and kill germs in drinking water. Researchers are still investigating lemon's immobilizing effect on sperm and its potential use as a topical vaginal contraceptive. Some people use lemon externally as a treatment for acne, ringworm, athlete's foot, sunburn and warts.

The origin of lemons is traced to Southeast Asia, explains Drugs.com. The fruit grows on an evergreen tree that continually bears fruit. Consuming lemon juice first became popular in the 1600s, when physicians discovered its ability to prevent scurvy in sailors travelling for extended time periods.